DeLauro Applauds Passage of Defense Authorization Bill

Legislation Supports Connecticut Jobs and Businesses

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today applauding passage of the revised National Defense Authorization Act. Unlike the previous version of the bill, which DeLauro opposed, the legislation passed today complies with the recently-enacted budget agreement.

“This is a good bill for Connecticut. It will continue aircraft and helicopter development at Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky, notably the indispensable Combat Rescue Helicopter program that I have long pushed the Defense Department to keep in place. And Sikorsky will be able to continue building the new Presidential Helicopter in Stratford where it belongs. The legislation also allows for the transfer of Apache helicopters from the National Guard to the Active Army, a position I supported in a bipartisan letter to the Armed Services Committee. And it includes funding to support Ukrainians fighting for their freedom against Russian-backed forces, which I strongly support.

“And unlike the bill we voted on last month, this legislation recognizes that we need to invest in both our defense and non-defense priorities. The recently enacted bipartisan budget agreement gave Congress the blueprint for a balanced approach. This defense bill keeps us on that same path that and I am proud to support it.”

Among the Connecticut highlights:
• $12.2 billion for the continued development and procurement of 63 F-35 aircraft
• $156 for the continued development of the Combat Rescue Helicopter
• $2.57 to support three different models of Blackhawk helicopters
• $632 million to support the continued development and procurement of the new heavy lift helicopter
• $507 million for development of the new Presidential Helicopter

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